West Ham have put talks with Diafra Sakho (right) on the back burner as they push ahead with moves for Connor Wickham

The Metz striker is believed to want around £15k a week plus £5k appearance bonuses but the Irons are intensifying their efforts to grab Sunderland’s England under 21.

Sakho has been in talks with the club for several days but Sam Allardyce would love to grab Wickham – who at 21 – looks a real prospect and helps the Irons preserve their British baseline.

An Upton Park source told ClaretandHugh exclusively this morning: “The Sakho negotiations are on hold as it’s clear Wickham is now the big target.

“If the manager and chairman can get a deal sorted out it will have been an excellent summer and Wickham.

However, should that turn out not to be the case, the Sakho remains in play.”